The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively.Aims
Methods
Aims. Medial humeral epicondyle fractures (MHEFs) are common elbow fractures in children. Open reduction should be performed in patients with MHEF who have entrapped intra-articular fragments as well as displacement. However, following open reduction, transposition of the ulnar
The management of fractures of the medial epicondyle is one of the greatest controversies in paediatric fracture care, with uncertainty concerning the need for surgery. The British Society of Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery prioritized this as their most important research question in paediatric trauma. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled, multicentre, prospective superiority trial of operative fixation versus nonoperative treatment for displaced medial epicondyle fractures: the Surgery or Cast of the EpicoNdyle in Children’s Elbows (SCIENCE) trial. Children aged seven to 15 years old inclusive, who have sustained a displaced fracture of the medial epicondyle, are eligible to take part. Baseline function using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper limb score, pain measured using the Wong Baker FACES pain scale, and quality of life (QoL) assessed with the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire for younger patients (EQ-5D-Y) will be collected. Each patient will be randomly allocated (1:1, stratified using a minimization algorithm by centre and initial elbow dislocation status (i.e. dislocated or not-dislocated at presentation to the emergency department)) to either a regimen of the operative fixation or non-surgical treatment.Aims
Methods
Aims. Brace treatment is the cornerstone of managing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), yet there is a lack of evidence-based treatment protocols, which results in wide variations in practice. To resolve this, we have developed a comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol conforming to published consensus principles, with well-defined a priori criteria for inclusion and successful treatment. Methods. This was a single-centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of a consecutive series of infants with ultrasound-confirmed DDH who underwent a comprehensive nonoperative brace management protocol in a unified multidisciplinary clinic between January 2012 and December 2016 with five-year follow-up radiographs. The radiological outcomes were acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L), acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), centre-edge angle (CEA), acetabular depth ratio (ADR), International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade, and evidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). At five years, each hip was classified as normal (< 1 SD), borderline dysplastic (1 to 2 SDs), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on validated radiological norm-referenced values. Results. Of 993 infants assessed clinically and sonographically, 21% (212 infants, 354 abnormal hips) had DDH and were included. Of these, 95% (202 infants, 335 hips) successfully completed bracing, and 5% (ten infants, 19 hips) failed bracing due to irreducible hip(s). The success rate of bracing for unilateral dislocations was 88% (45/51 infants) and for bilateral dislocations 83% (20/24 infants). The femoral
Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options. A systematic literature search in healthcare databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CINAHL, and Web of Science) was performed from January 2000 to July 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane ROBINS-I risk of bias tool. Relevant trials studying BPBP with at least five years of follow-up and describing functional outcome were included.Aims
Methods
Management of displaced paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures remains widely debated and actual practice is unclear. This national trainee collaboration aimed to evaluate surgical and postoperative management of these injuries across the UK. This study was led by the South West Orthopaedic Research Division (SWORD) and performed by the Supra Man Collaborative. Displaced paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures undergoing surgery between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were retrospectively identified and their anonymized data were collected via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap).Aims
Methods
Perthes’ disease (PD) often results in femoral head deformity and leg length discrepancy (LLD). Our objective was to analyze femoral morphology in PD patients at skeletal maturity to assess where the LLD originates, and evaluate the effect of contralateral epiphysiodesis for length equalization on proximal and subtrochanteric femoral lengths. All patients treated for PD in our institution between January 2013 and June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with unilateral PD, LLD of ≥ 5 mm, and long-leg standing radiographs at skeletal maturity were included. Total leg length, femoral and tibial length, articulotrochanteric distance (ATD), and subtrochanteric femoral length were compared between PD side and the unaffected side. Furthermore, we compared leg length measurements between patients who did and who did not have a contralateral epiphysiodesis.Aims
Methods
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients younger than six months of age with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) managed by either a Pavlik harness or Tübingen hip flexion splint. Records of 251 consecutive infants with a mean age of 89 days (SD 47), diagnosed with DDH between January 2015 and December 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria for patients with DDH were: younger than 180 days at the time of diagnosis; ultrasound Graf classification of IIc or greater; treatment by Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint; and no prior treatment history. All patients underwent hip ultrasound every seven days during the first three weeks of treatment and subsequently every three to four weeks until completion of treatment. If no signs of improvement were found after three weeks, the Pavlik harness or Tübingen splint was discontinued. Statistical analysis was performed.Aims
Methods
We aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs), who were treated following the recommendations of the Paediatric Comprehensive AO Classification, and to assess if HRQoL was associated with AO fracture classification, or fixation with a lateral external fixator compared with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). We were able to follow-up on 775 patients (395 girls, 380 boys) who sustained a SCHF from 2004 to 2017. Patients completed questionnaires including the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH; primary outcome), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).Aims
Methods
To monitor the performance of services for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in Northern Ireland and identify potential improvements to enhance quality of service and plan for the future. This was a prospective observational study, involving all infants treated for DDH between 2011 and 2017. Children underwent clinical assessment and radiological investigation as per the regional surveillance policy. The regional radiology data was interrogated to quantify the use of ultrasound and ionizing radiation for this population.Aims
Methods
To describe and analyze the mid-term functional outcomes of a large series of patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure for brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP). All patients who underwent the Hoffer procedure with minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Active shoulder range of movement (ROM), aggregate modified Mallet classification scores, Hospital for Sick Children Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores, and/or Toronto Test Scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis based on age and level of injury was performed. Risk factors for subsequent humeral derotational osteotomy and other complications were also assessed. A total of 107 patients, average age 3.9 years (1.6 to 13) and 59% female, were included in the study with mean 68 months (24 to 194) follow-up.Aims
Methods
The aims of this study were to evaluate the abductor function in moderate and severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), comparing the results of a corrective osteotomy at the base of the femoral neck and osteoplasty with 1) A total of 24 patients (mean age 14.9 years (Aims
Patients and Methods
Delayed diagnosis is a well-known complication of a Monteggia
fracture-dislocation. If left untreated, the dislocated radial head
later becomes symptomatic. The purposes of this study were firstly,
to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of open reduction
of the radial head and secondly, to identify the factors that may
affect the outcome of this procedure. This retrospective study evaluated 30 children with a chronic
Monteggia lesion. There were 18 boys and 12 girls with a mean age
of 7.4 years (4 to 13) at the time of open reduction. The mean interval
to surgery, after the initial fracture, was 23.4 months (6 to 120).
Clinical grading used a Kim modified elbow score: radiological outcome
was recorded. The effect of the patient’s age, gender, duration
from initial injury, Bado classification, and annular ligament reconstruction
were analyzed. The mean follow-up was 42.2 months (15 to 20).Aims
Materials and Methods
Aims. Preserving growth following limb-salvage surgery of the upper
limb in children remains a challenge. Vascularized autografts may
provide rapid biological incorporation with the potential for growth
and longevity. In this study, we aimed to describe the outcomes
following proximal humeral reconstruction with a vascularized fibular
epiphyseal transfer in children with a primary sarcoma of bone.
We also aimed to quantify the hypertrophy of the graft and the annual
growth, and to determine the functional outcomes of the neoglenofibular
joint. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 11 patients who underwent this procedure
for a primary bone tumour of the proximal humerus between 2004 and
2015. Six had Ewing’s sarcoma and five had osteosarcoma. Their mean
age at the time of surgery was five years (two to eight). The mean
follow-up was 5.2 years (1 to 12.2). Results. The overall survival at five and ten years was 91% (confidence
interval (CI) 95% 75% to 100%). At the time of the final review,
ten patients were alive. One with local recurrence and metastasis
died one-year post-operatively. Complications included seven fractures,
four transient
Extendible endoprostheses have been available for more than 30
years and have become more sophisticated with time. The latest generation
is ‘non-invasive’ and can be lengthened with an external magnetic
force. Early results have shown a worryingly high rate of complications
such as infection. This study investigates the incidence of complications
and the need for further surgery in a cohort of patients with a
non-invasive growing endoprosthesis. Between 2003 and June 2014, 50 children (51 prostheses) had a
non-invasive growing prosthesis implanted for a primary bone sarcoma.
The minimum follow-up was 24 months for those who survived. Their
mean age was 10.4 years (6 to 14). The incidence of complications
and further surgery was documented.Aims
Patients and Methods
Aims. We present the clinical and radiographic outcome of 81 children
with Gartland type I to III supracondylar humeral fractures at a
minimum follow-up of ten years (mean 12.1 years; 10.3 to 16.1) following
injury. Patients and Methods. The clinical and functional outcomes are compared with normal
age- and gender-matched individuals. The population-based study
setting was first identified from the institutional registries;
the rate of participation was 76%. Controls were randomly selected
from Finnish National Population Registry. Results. According to Flynn's criteria, most fractures (75.3%) resulted
in a satisfactory (“good or excellent”) outcome. Satisfactory recovery
was achieved in 75.0% of type I fractures treated by closed splinting
(p = 0.013). Type II fractures were associated with both satisfactory
(57.7%) and unsatisfactory (42.3%) results, regardless of the type
of treatment, although the numbers were small in the sub groups.
Most type III fractures were treated operatively, and most (76%)
had a satisfactory outcome according to Flynn’s criteria (p = 0.015). Compared with none among the normal subjects, flexion of the
elbow was reduced by >
10° at long-term follow-up in 20 cases (24.7%,
p <
0.001) and 9 (11.1%) had a reduced flexion of >
15° (p =
0.004). In patients who had sustained a type III fracture, the carrying
angle was decreased by 35.7% (from 9.8° to 6.3°; p = 0.048). All
patients achieved an excellent Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mean
96.4 points). Conclusion. The long-term outcome of extension-type supracondylar humeral
fractures is generally good, but not exclusively benign, with the
potential for long-term pain and ulnar
Slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is the
most common hip disorder to affect adolescents. Controversy exists over
the optimal treatment of severe slips, with a continuing debate
between Between 2001 and 2011, 57 patients (35 male, 22 female) with
a mean age of 13.1 years (9.6 to 20.3, SD 2.3) were referred to
our tertiary referral institution with a severe slip. The affected
limb was rested in slings and springs before corrective surgery
which was performed via an anterior Smith-Petersen approach. Radiographic
analysis confirmed an improvement in mean head–shaft slip angle
from 53.8o (standard deviation ( This is a technically demanding operation with variable outcomes
reported in the literature. We have demonstrated good results in
our tertiary centre. Cite this article:
A retrospective study was performed in 18 patients
with achondroplasia, who underwent bilateral humeral lengthening
between 2001 and 2013, using monorail external fixators. The mean
age was ten years (six to 15) and the mean follow-up was 40 months
(12 to 104). . The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score
fell from 32.3 (20 to 40)
pre-operatively to 9.4 (6 to 14) post-operatively (p = 0.037). A
mean lengthening of 60% (40% to 95%) was required to reach the goal
of independent perineal hygiene. One patient developed early consolidation,
and fractures occurred in the regenerate bone of four humeri in
three patients. There were three transient radial
This retrospective study was designed to evaluate
the outcomes of re-dislocation of the radial head after corrective osteotomy
for chronic dislocation. A total of 12 children with a mean age
of 11 years (5 to 16), with further dislocation of the radial head
after corrective osteotomy of the forearm, were followed for a mean
of five years (2 to 10). Re-operations were performed for radial
head re-dislocation in six children, while the other six did not
undergo re-operation (‘non-re-operation group’). The active range
of movement (ROM) of their elbows was evaluated before and after
the first operation, and at the most recent follow-up. In the re-operation group, there were significant decreases in
extension, pronation, and supination when comparing the ROM following
the corrective osteotomy and following
re-operation (p <
0.05). The children who had not undergone re-operation achieved a better
ROM than those who had undergone re-operation. There was a significant difference in mean pronation (76° Cite this article:
Pelvic obliquity is a common finding in adolescents
with cerebral palsy, however, there is little agreement on its measurement
or relationship with hip development at different gross motor function
classification system (GMFCS) levels. The purpose of this investigation was to study these issues in
a large, population-based cohort of adolescents with cerebral palsy
at transition into adult services. The cohort were a subset of a three year birth cohort (n = 98,
65M: 33F, with a mean age of 18.8 years (14.8 to 23.63) at their
last radiological review) with the common features of a migration
percentage greater than 30% and a history of adductor release surgery. Different radiological methods of measuring pelvic obliquity
were investigated in 40 patients and the angle between the acetabular
tear drops (ITDL) and the horizontal reference frame of the radiograph
was found to be reliable, with good face validity. This was selected
for further study in all 98 patients. The median pelvic obliquity was 4° (interquartile range 2° to
8°). There was a strong correlation between hip morphology and the
presence of pelvic obliquity (effect of ITDL on Sharpe’s angle in
the higher hip; rho 7.20 (5% confidence interval 5.59 to 8.81, p
<
0.001). This was particularly true in non-ambulant adolescents
(GMFCS IV and V) with severe pelvic obliquity, but was also easily
detectable and clinically relevant in ambulant adolescents with mild
pelvic obliquity. The identification of pelvic obliquity and its management deserves
closer scrutiny in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Cite this article:
